Assessment is considered the central part of the educational process. At least five categories exist in which it is possible to classify the evaluation process. These are: placement - used to place students into appropriate class levels or sections; formative - on-going monitoring of student progress; diagnosis - identification of potential learning difficulties; summative - evaluation at the end; and self evaluation (Airasiar and Madolus, 1975, Grandland, 1985). On-line feedback mid-way through the course will provide information to the instructor concerning comprehension of subject matter as well as ease of interacting with the web-based learning process. A pre and post survey will be used to determine the students' level of understanding of the web-based learning systems, ease and comfort in using the system, perceptions of the learning process, level of satisfaction with the education material, knowledge gained from the seed science course, and interest in developing a career in the seed industry. A summary of students taking these courses as well as demographic information of each student will be used to better understand this web-based student customer and measure the scope of the project. Evaluations will be measured using the Lickert Scale from 1=Very Poor to 5=Very Good.

Career opportunity information from the seed industry will be collected and made available to each student. Data will be collected on the number of students desiring employment and employment needs being met by the seed industry. Feedback from seed scientists, both academic and industry, at the national meetings will provide valuable information concerning the impact of the educated students on the national seed science educational concerns.